My Beauty Philosophy: Where I Save & Where I Spend
A few months back, Emily from Cupcakes & Cashmere wrote a greatย postย that got me thinking about my personal beauty philosophy. Outlining each facet of her beauty routine, Emily talked about what she shelled out the cash for and what she was more likely to save on. As I read through each headline, I found myself comparing my philosophy to hers, which inspired me to write a post of my own! It’s so interesting how much we all differ from each other when it comes to our routines. While I swear by spending on my hair color each month, I’m sure some of you haven’t spent a dime on coloring your hair, ever!ย
Most people are shocked to find out that Iโm a natural brunette. When I was 14, I decided I wanted a change and highlighted my hair for the first time. When I saw the end result , I was shocked (in a good way). I gradually went lighter throughout that year until I was fully blonde without a trace of my natural color, except for my pesky roots. I have been a few shades of blonde ever since, ranging from platinum to dirty blonde and I honestly donโt think Iโll ever go back to brown. Living in New York, hairย doesnโt come cheap, however I believe that IF you color your hair, it should be your single most important beauty spend. I have been seeing my wonderful colorist for almost fifteen years and although I cringe at shelling out near $200 per highlight, that feeling immediately goes away when I see the professional result. Some people swear by boxed dyes – and I think thatโs okay if you have an easy hair color to work with. However being that my dark brown is lifted to a light blonde, I donโt take any chances. If youโre thinking about taking the plunge to professional coloring, donโt panic! Yes, itโs going to be more than a $20 box of hair dye, but there are so many ways around breaking the bank every time you visit your colorist. Iโve gotten to the point where Iโm embracing more of my natural root, going more time between coloring sessions and getting partial highlights more often than full. Iโm so into the subtle ombre as of late with light, bright ends and a gradual darkening to the root. If youโre someone whoโs looking for less maintenance, this type of color is definitely the way to go!ย
Makeup: ($100-$200 every few months)
While I donโt consider myself a frequent makeup buyer, I do believe in spending on high quality products. Drugstore brands have certainly evolved over the years, however in my opinion, the LโOreals and the Maybellines will never be on the same playing field as the NARSโ and the MACs. Iโm not one to switch out my makeup every month. I usually get hooked on a product and stick with it for several months, maybe even years, before finding one that I like better (#creatureofhabit). I wore the same foundation (Cargo Liquid Foundation) all throughout my college years and beyond, only recently switching to Make Up For Everโsย Matte Velvet+ foundation. That being said, when itโs time to replenish my makeup, I spend whatever I need to in order to get the high quality products that I like and know will benefit my skin.
CURRENT FAVORITES:
Waxing: ($20 every 6 months)
I have almost always done my own waxing and will continue to do so until I get really lazy or really rich. I shelled out about $35 for aย home waxing kitย and currentlyย spend around $20 every 6 months or so to replenish my materials. Call me crazy, but I find waxing therapeutic. I do it all – eyebrows, underarms, bikini, legs – and I pride myself in my #waxingskills. I turn my bathroom into a mini salon and wax my whole family (weird? perhaps). Maybe I was an esthetician in my past life? Every once in a while, before a vacation or an important event, Iโll go to a professional.ย European Wax Center, which is all over the map, does a wonderful job and leaves me without the hassle of cleaning up and putting away all my supplies. On the reg, I can live with that though.
Massages: ($100 a year)
โOooh, massage. Aaaah, I would kill for a massage. Relaxation station, massages are my lifeeeeโ, says almost everyone except me. While I will treat myself to an occasional massage, Iโve come to learn that Iโm really just not a big fan of them. Thereโs something anxiety-provoking about lying in a dark room with a stranger – no talking, no moving. While the point of a massage is to relax, I almost always find myself doing the opposite because of the awkward stillness. I do find that couples massages are less awkward because you can chat if you want to, and for the mere fact that someone else whom youโre comfortable with is in the room with you. Sorry solo massages, but Iโm not feeling you. Iโve also always felt that massages are hit or miss. Unless you find a masseuse that really knows your preferences, and who you know you like, you can be shelling out $100-$200 and getting a really good massage, or a really shitty massage. That doesnโt sit well with me. That being said, on the rare occasion that I do treat myself to a massage, I do it whilst at theย Waldorf Astoria Spaย at the Boca Resort. 60-minute awkwardness aside, I would give up my home to live in the facilities at this spa (yeah, itโs that good).
Facials: ($0)
Call me crazy, but Iโve never gotten a facial. I have always been happy with my skin and a bit worried that opening up all of my pores would simply invite unwanted dirt into my skin. That being said, I’m sure I’ll eventually get oneย to see what the hype is all about,ย but Iโm not about to drop the money to do so unless someone else is treating me to it! If I found a place that I really liked and saw a major difference in my skin, Iโm not saying I wouldnโt move this over to my spend list.
My colorist also happens to be my hairdresser, and a damn good one at that. I feel like $55 is relatively average for a haircut these days, unless youโre going to a big name salon in the city. I actually hate the salon I go to (cue gossipy (like RHONY gossipy) clients and snobby receptionists), but Iโll go anywhere as long as my hairdresser is there. Iโve never been a fan of cutting my hair often, because I simply donโt see the need. I had belly-button-length hair my entire life until I recently chopped it off to sport a lob. Otherwise, my haircuts are simple and to-the-point – trim the ends, trim the layers, trim the angles, clean it up. I try to get a haircut every other time that I color my hair, but realistically itโs every 3rd or 4th time. My hair continues to maintain itself the way I want it to, so I really see no reason to change my routine!ย
Nails: ($70 every month OR $35 every 2 months)
I go through phases with my nails. Recently, I was getting a gel manicure on my almond-shaped claws every 2 weeks, until I decided it was time to give my nails a rest. A gel manicure runs about $35 with tip every two weeks, which really isnโt too bad compared to a $10 manicure once a week with major chippage in between (which I CAN’T STAND!). I almost never paint my own nails for the mere fact that theyโre ruined the next day, so itโs either all or nothing for me. Iโve had bare nails for the past 2 months, which I think is important to do every once in a while. That being said, Iโm nearing the point where Iโm ready to sport a polished look again, which will probably continue for the next few months. #polishremoverepeat.
Faux Tan: ($40 every 1-2 months)
When I was younger, I would get a spray tan for most important events and occasions. I would try all different brands of tanner in search of the perfect one, and would never be fully satisfied. In addition, Iโve experimented with tons of self-tanners. Being naturally light-skinned, it was often hard to find a self-tanner that was a great match. Either the light-skinned tanners didnโt produce enough, or the medium-skinned tanners produced the wrong color. When I tell you Iโve read every blog and review of top self-tanners on the market, I really meanย I have read every blog and review of top self-tanners on the marketย – and Iโve finally found my holy grail:ย St. Tropez.ย My only complaint about this tanner would be the length of time that my tan lasts. I will have a solid tan for about 3 days before I need to re-apply. However, that is my ONLY complaint. Everything else about this product, I love. And to be honest, Iโll take the 3-day even fade over a 5-day blotchy fade any day. I use theย classic bronzing mousseย in the winter months and theย dark bronzing mousseย in the summer months. I absolutely love theย applicator mittย and have recently started using anย applicator brushย for certain areas of my body which I highly recommend.
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